A New Magazine

Over the past few months, you may have read a couple of articles published in EE that discussed a test and measurement interface based on industry standards IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), IEEE 1588, and TCP/IP. In fact, many companies already have instruments on the market that include a LAN interface. With the proliferation of LAN-enabled products, last year industry leaders recognized the necessity to create an open standard to ensure interoperability and promote ease of use among the many instrument offerings.

The LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI) Consortium comprises leading test and measurement companies working to create a stand-ard that will address all aspects of test-system implementation including triggering, synchronization, latencies, software, and mechanical configurations. Almost 30 companies are represented in the consortium including Strategic Members Agilent Technologies, VXI Technology, Racal Instruments, Rohde & Schwarz, Aeroflex, Measurement Computing, and Keithley Instruments.

Our coverage of LXI up to this point has only scratched the surface of what could be a significant trend in the test industry. According to the folks in the LXI Consortium, there will be some important announcements concerning LXI over the next several months that should be of interest to many test professionals. Among the announcements is the publication of the LXI Standard, now scheduled for September 2005.

To help our readers stay abreast of the issues and developments relevant to LXI, Nelson Publishing is creating a new magazine, LXI ConneXion . This exclusive publication will focus on the mission of the LXI Consortium and its member companies who are driving LXI through insightful commentary on technology, standards, products, and applications. LXI ConneXion is targeted for engineers and integrators who design and develop automated test systems.

The inaugural issue of LXI ConneXion will debut at the AUTO-TESTCON Show Sept. 27 to 29 in Orlando. Also, it will be sent to EE readers who recommend, specify, or buy card-level instruments, data acquisition products, and test instruments. Subscribers in corporate or general management, engineering management, and engineering are eligible to receive LXI ConneXion. Subsequent issues will be published quarterly starting in January 2006.

Each issue of LXI ConneXion will include at least three feature articles delivering in-depth technical information on selected topics relating to LXI. There will be articles focusing on the technology behind LXI and articles detailing real-world applications of LXI products and systems. Additionally, a column written by the LXI Consortium will inform readers on current activities and future events of the consortium. A selection of recently introduced LXI-compatible products also will be included.

Current subscribers as well as new subscribers who want to receive LXI ConneXion should visit the LXI website at www.lxiconnexion.com and complete the subscription form. Be sure to check the box labeled LXI Instruments/Products under Card-Level Instruments and Buses in the Recommend, Specify, or Buy section of the form. By completing this form, new subscribers also will receive EE every month.

Be the first in your company to re-ceive the inaugural issue of LXI Con-neXion. Go to www.lxiconnexion.com and sign up now. It takes only a few moments. I m confident you ll find this new publication timely and informative.